Nelle8556383481 at 21:44, 27 October 2025

2025-10-27T21:44:40Z

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{{Short description|Indian Arabic magazine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{AI-generated|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox magazine
| title = Al-Ziya
| image_file = Cover page of Al-Ziya from May 1933.jpg
| image_caption = May 1933 cover
| editor = [[Masood Alam Nadwi]]
| founder = Masood Alam Nadwi
| category = [[Theology]], Culture, [[Dawah]], Literature, Education, [[Nadwatul Ulama]]
| frequency = Monthly
| publisher = [[Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama]]
| firstdate = May 1932
| finaldate = 1935
| country = India
| based = [[Lucknow]]
| language = Arabic
}}
'''''Al-Ziya''''' ({{langx|ar|الضياء}}) was the first monthly Arabic magazine published by [[Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama]] in May 1932 under the editorship of [[Masood Alam Nadwi]], with advisorship from [[Sulaiman Nadvi]] and [[Taqi al-Din al-Hilali]], and with [[Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi]] as part of the editorial team. It was printed using [[lithography]] and released mid-month according to the [[Islamic calendar]], focusing on literary, educational, and social topics.{{Sfn|Ahmed|2019|p=308}} Despite being the only Arabic magazine in India at the time and receiving widespread acclaim for developing intellectual discourse in [[Arab world|Arab]] and Islamic circles, it ceased publication after four years due to financial constraints. Its legacy, however, influenced the emergence of other Arabic magazines, with ''[[Al-Baas El-Islami]]'' regarded as its successor.<ref name=":STK">{{Cite book |last=Khan |first=Shams Tabrez |url=https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/tareekh-e-nadwa-tul-ulama-part-002-shams-tabrez-khan-ebooks |title=Tareekh-e-Nadwatul Ulama |publisher=Majlis-e-Sahafat-o-Nashriyat |year=2003 |edition=2nd |volume=2 |location=Lucknow |pages=424 |language=ur |trans-title=History of the Nadwatul Ulama |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241126115716/https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/tareekh-e-nadwa-tul-ulama-part-002-shams-tabrez-khan-ebooks |archive-date=26 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Start and strive ==
Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, recognizing the stagnation of [[Arabic|Arabic language]] education in India, initiated efforts to revitalize the language, particularly in practical communication.<ref name="Nayab">{{cite book |last=Qasmi |first=Nayab Hasan |url=https://archive.org/details/DarulUloomDeobandKaSahafatiManzarNamah |title=Darul Uloom Deoband Ka Sahafati Manzarnama |publisher=Idara Tahqueeq-e-islami Deoband |year=2013 |edition= |location=India |pages=102 |language=ur |trans-title=Journalistic Scenario Of Darul Uloom Deoband}}</ref> In 1932, under the influence of Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and a proposal by Syed Sabir, the institution launched ''Al-Ziya'', designed to provide students with a platform to practice Arabic writing and composition.{{Sfn|Rahi|1975|p=20}} This was a novel initiative, as Arabic in India had largely remained confined to traditional study, with many scholars struggling to use the language fluently in speaking or writing.<ref name=":HR">{{Cite thesis |last=Rahman |first=Hafizur |title=Arabic journalism in India with special reference to Sayed Muhammad Al Hasani : a study |access-date= |degree=PhD |publisher=[[Gauhati University]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/342127 |language=en |pages=178 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217145140/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/342127 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |year=2020 |location=India |hdl=10603/342127 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite over a million students learning Arabic in approximately one thousand [[Madrasa|madrassas]], the language had not advanced in terms of communication skills beyond [[Fiqh|jurisprudential]] or [[Kalam|logical]] topics.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=178}} Sulaiman Nadvi and others noted the challenge faced by many Muslims who could understand Arabic but could not communicate in it effectively.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=178}} In response, ''Al-Ziya'' called for more active engagement with Arabic as a living language, promoting its use in both writing and speech. This initiative helped the emergence of other Arabic publications and institutions dedicated to Arabic language training.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=179}} However, ''Al-Ziya'' ceased publication after four years due to financial constraints.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=180}} Abdul Hameed Fazli documented the circumstances surrounding its closure in his biographical work on Masood Alam Nadwi.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fazli |first=Abdul Hameed |url=https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/moulana-masood-alam-nadvi-hayat-aur-karname-abdul-hameed-fazli-ebooks |title=Maulana Masood Alam Nadvi Hayat Aur Karname |date=1998 |publisher=Markazi Maktaba Islami Publishers |location=New Delhi |pages=29 |language=ur |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241126120347/https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/moulana-masood-alam-nadvi-hayat-aur-karname-abdul-hameed-fazli-ebooks |archive-date=26 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Themes and voices ==
The magazine was instrumental in the advancement of both Islamic sciences and [[Culture of India|Indian culture]] by promoting Arabic as a dynamic and evolving language suited to modern needs.{{Sfn|Ahmed|2019|p=308}} It aimed to demonstrate that Arabic is not a static language limited to religious contexts but one capable of supporting a broad range of disciplines, including both Islamic studies and other scientific fields.<ref name=":AA">{{Cite thesis |last=Alangadan |first=Anees |title=Relocating Arabic Language And Literature With Reference To Arabic Journalism In India 1950 To 2000 |access-date=29 November 2023 |degree=PhD |publisher=[[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/30548 |language=ar |page=148 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129050821/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/30548 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |year=2014 |location=India |hdl=10603/30548 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to its focus on language, the magazine acted as the primary representative of Indian Muslims abroad, facilitating communication between India and the Arab world. It encouraged a contemporary style of writing, developing literary and scientific tastes while inspiring Islamic zeal and religious sentiment among its readers.{{Sfn|Alangadan|2014|p=151}} Moreover, the magazine countered the influence of [[Western canon|Western intellectualism]], advocating for the preservation of Islamic thought and values and playing a role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of its time.{{Sfn|Alangadan|2014|p=151}}

== Reputation in academia ==
It has received acclaim from diverse academic backgrounds. Academics such as Abdul Aziz al-Yamani from the [[Islamic University of Madinah]] praised its establishment, acknowledging the efforts of Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and others in nurturing its success.{{Sfn|Kha|1998|p=132}} Farid Uddin Ahmed from [[Cotton University]] highlighted the magazine's widespread recognition across India and its role in the development of the Arabic language in the region.{{Sfn|Ahmed|2019|p=308}} Habib Shahidul Islam and Ahmed Daisy, both from [[Gauhati University]], noted the magazine's swift popularity in Arab countries due to its content.<ref name=":HSI">{{Cite thesis |last=Islam |first=Habib Shahidul |title=The Role Of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema In The Field Of Arabic Journalism In India A Study |access-date=29 November 2023 |degree=PhD |publisher=Department of Arabic, [[Gauhati University]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/114360 |language=en |page=91 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129050739/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/114360 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |year=2014 |location=India |hdl=10603/114360 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":AD">{{Cite thesis |last=Daisy |first=Ahmed |title=Development of Indo-Arabic Literature and the Contribution of Dr. Sayeedur Rahman Al-A'zmi Al-Nadwi to Al-Baas Al-Islami |degree=PhD |publisher=Gauhati University |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/93172 |language=ar |page=106 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241113092541/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/93172 |archive-date=13 November 2024 |year=2015 |location=India |hdl=10603/93172}}</ref> Hafizur Rahman, also from Gauhati University, recognized it as a pioneering publication in Arabic journalism, with notable influence in both India and Arab nations.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=177}} Zikrullah Arabi from [[Maulana Azad National Urdu University]] commended the magazine's eloquent style and its role in spreading Islamic awareness,<ref name=":ZA">{{Cite thesis |last=Arabi |first=Zikrullah |title=Contribution of Darul Uloom Deoband to Arabic Journalism With Special Reference of Al-Die (Monthly Magazine) and Comprehensive Catalogue Upto 2013 |access-date=29 November 2023 |degree=PhD |publisher=[[Maulana Azad National Urdu University]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/337869 |language=ar |pages=29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126024643/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/337869 |archive-date=26 November 2023 |year=2019 |location=India |hdl=10603/337869 |url-status=live}}</ref> while Jubailiya P from the [[University of Calicut]] and Anees Alangadan from [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala]], emphasized its status as a source of inspiration and a leader in the field.<ref name=":JP">{{Cite thesis |last=P |first=Jubailiya |title=Darul Uloom Nadwathul Ulama its Contributions to the Development of Arabic Language and Literature: an analytical study |access-date=29 November 2023 |degree=PhD |publisher=Department of Arabic, [[University of Calicut]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/306944 |language=ar |pages=180 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126025358/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/306944 |archive-date=26 November 2023 |year=2020 |location=India |hdl=10603/306944 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Alangadan|2014|p=148}} Nayab Hasan Qasmi, the author of ''Darul Uloom Deoband Ka Sahafati Manzarnama'', Shams Tabrez Khan, the historiographer of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, and Mohd. Sohaib Siddiqi from [[Aligarh Muslim University]] acknowledged the impact of the magazine on contemporary journalism in India and the Arab-Islamic world.<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Siddiqi |first=Mohd. Sohaib |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/56142 |title=Nadwa Movement Its Contribution To The Development Of Arabic Language And Literature In India |publisher=Department of Arabic, [[Aligarh Muslim University]] |year=1993 |location=India |page=102 |language=ur |degree=PhD |access-date=16 April 2024 |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126032814/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/56142 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Sfn|Qasmi|2013|p=102}}{{Sfn|Khan|2003|p=422}} Obaidur Rahman from the [[University of Calcutta]] praised it for dispelling misconceptions about Indian Muslims' proficiency in Arabic, noting its role in elevating Indian scholars in the Arab world.<ref name=":OR">{{Cite thesis |last=Rahman |first=Obaidur |title=Musahamatu Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama Fi Nashril Lughatil Arabiati Wal Adabil Islami Wa Dauruha Fi Majalis Sahafati Wal Elam |degree=PhD |publisher=[[University of Calcutta]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/314806 |language=ar |pages=422 |year=2017 |location=India |hdl=10603/314806 |access-date=11 November 2024 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616040516/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/314806 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sheeba Rehman from Aligarh Muslim University remarked on its quick recognition across the Islamic world,<ref name=":SR">{{Cite thesis |last=Rehman |first=Sheeba |title=Contribution of Darul Uloom Nadwatul to the Development of Arabic Journalism in India |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102105606if_/http://ir.amu.ac.in/6786/1/DS%203919.pdf |publisher=[[Aligarh Muslim University]] |year=2008 |location=India |pages= |language=ar |degree=PhD |page=46}}</ref> and Kaleemur Rehman Kha from the [[University of Lucknow]] attributed much of its success to Masood Alam Nadwi's bilingual proficiency.{{Sfn|Kha|1998|p=133}} Ihsan Mu'afi Haqqi, professor of Arabic at Aligarh Muslim University, commended the magazine's efforts to promote the Arabic language, encouraging further improvements in its presentation.{{Sfn|Kha|1998|p=135}}

== International reach ==
Masood Alam Nadwi established global connections with notable figures such as [[Shakib Arslan]], [[Rashid Rida]], and [[Muhibb al-Din al-Khatib]] from the Arab world, as well as [[Muhammad Iqbal]] in India, using the magazine as a platform.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rahi |first=Akhtar |url=https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/masood-alam-nadvi-akhtar-rahi-ebooks |title=Masood Alam Nadvi: Sawaneh Wa Maqtubat |publisher=Maktaba Khatar Nashir Qur'ani Qata'at Gujarat |year=1975 |location=Faizabad |pages=21 |language=ur |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241126125637/https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/masood-alam-nadvi-akhtar-rahi-ebooks |archive-date=26 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> It also served as a vehicle for emerging scholars like [[Mustafa al-Siba'i]], Umar Bahaa al-Amiri, Abdul Qahhar al-Kardani, and [[Muhammad Ma Jian]], who later achieved prominence in their fields.{{Sfn|Rahi|1975|p=21}} The publication received praise from several international sources, including Amir Nasiruddin of Lebanon, who lauded ''Al-Ziya'' for its pure Arabic language, eloquent style, and insightful Islamic research.{{Sfn|Khan|2003|p=423}} Syed Muhammad Mahmud Hafiz al-Nadwi noted that its fame spread beyond India to the Arab world, where Arab writers celebrated the magazine for its intellectual clarity and literary subjects.<ref name=":Ahmed">{{Cite journal |last=Ahmed |first=Farid Uddin |date=2019 |title=Arabic Journalism in India: Its growth and development |url=https://www.thecho.in/files/34.-Dr.-Farid-Uddin-Ahmed-15-07-19.pdf |url-status=live |journal=The Echo |volume=8 |issue=1 |page=309 |issn=2278-5264 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227044358/https://www.thecho.in/files/34.-Dr.-Farid-Uddin-Ahmed-15-07-19.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2021 |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> The Syrian magazine ''Al-Furqan'' described it as progressive, highlighting its intellectual, literary, educational, and social content.{{Sfn|Ahmed|2019|p=308}} The Lebanese newspaper ''Al-Safa'' acknowledged ''Al-Ziya's'' unique position as the only Arabic-language magazine in India at the time, emphasizing its comprehensive and beneficial content, despite being printed using lithography.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=181}} ''Al-Irfan'' from Syria noted the magazine's growth, stating that, had it used modern printing methods, it would have been considered a leading Arabic publication.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=181}} ''Al-Arab al-Muqaddasiyyah'' praised it as an influential magazine, commending its eloquent diction and its role in promoting Islamic culture, history, and sociology.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=182}} Al-Naqqash al-Karmali, a Syrian Arabic writer, acknowledged Masood Alam Nadwi's mastery of the Arabic language, even at a young age, and recognized him as an accomplished scholar.{{Sfn|Rahi|1975|p=21}} ''Al-Shihab'', an Algerian magazine, highlighted its growing readership and support, noting that the research and comprehensive topics inspired many to subscribe.{{Sfn|Kha|1998|p=130}} [[Al-Fath (magazine)|''Al-Fath'']], a Cairo-based magazine, reflected the high esteem in which ''Al-Ziya'' was held, underscoring its significant place in the Arab intellectual community.<ref name=":KRK">{{Cite thesis |last=Kha |first=Kaleemur Rehman |title=Molana Masood Aalam Nadvi Hayat Va Khidmat |date=1998 |degree=PhD |publisher=Department of Arabic, [[University of Lucknow]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/598603 |language=ur |pages=130 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126130703/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/598603 |archive-date=26 November 2024 |location=India |hdl=10603/598603 }}</ref> Later assessments, including reports by [[Al Jazeera Arabic|''Al Jazeera'']], have identified the magazine as part of a broader historical development in Indo-Arab academic and literary interaction.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Khan |first=Mohsin Atiq |date=8 June 2018 |title=A look at the history of the emergence of Arabic magazines in India |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/blogs/2018/6/8/%d9%86%d8%b8%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%aa%d8%a7%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%ae-%d9%86%d8%b4%d8%a3%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%ac%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%b1%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%81%d9%8a |website=[[Al Jazeera Arabic]] |language=ar}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Deobandi Arabic magazines]]
[[Category:Publications of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama]]
[[Category:Monthly magazines]]
[[Category:Arabic-language magazines]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 1932]]
[[Category:Literary magazines published in India]]
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 1935]]
[[Category:Defunct magazines published in India]]
[[Category:Conservative magazines]]

Al-Ziya - Revision history

Nelle8556383481 at 21:44, 27 October 2025